In this episode, we address Joe’s question about how claiming Social Security benefits early can reduce withdrawals from retirement accounts and potentially lead to greater long-term growth.

Joe shares his calculation comparing the cumulative Social Security benefit difference with the investment growth of withdrawals saved by filing early. Is he onto something, or is there a missing piece? Tune in to explore how Social Security timing fits into a Big Picture retirement strategy and hear our take on Joe’s approach.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

A recent Supreme Court decision in Connelly v. United States has sent shockwaves through closely held businesses employing life-insurance-funded redemption-type buy-sell agreements. In this episode, we break down the case, the tax implications, and why the IRS may not respect your agreed-upon valuation. Discover why it’s critical to review and, if necessary, restructure your buy-sell agreements to avoid unexpected estate tax burdens. We'll explore alternatives like cross-purchase agreements and address key considerations for life insurance ownership. Don’t miss this discussion for business owners and advisors alike!

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

In this episode, we answer Lori’s question about whether the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) will increase her survivor benefits and how it could impact benefits for those with similar circumstances. We also address Jesus’s concern about whether his Social Security check will be reduced when he retires from TRS (Teacher Retirement System). If you’ve ever wondered how these rules might affect your benefits, this episode is packed with answers and insights.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

Sometimes life throws curveballs, and you may end up retiring earlier than planned. In this episode, we dive into JP Morgan’s data on why people retire earlier than expected and discuss how to prepare for the unexpected. Learn why having a solid backup plan is essential and what steps you can take to protect your financial future, even if your retirement timeline changes.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

In this episode, we tackle Kay's questions about managing her IRA and Roth accounts in retirement. With significant assets, no LTC insurance, and children in differing financial circumstances, Kay wants to minimize taxes while preparing for required minimum distributions (RMDs) and long-term care expenses. We explore the pros and cons of massive Roth conversions, the impact of IRMAA on Medicare premiums, and other strategies for keeping income taxes as low as possible.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

Retirement can be stressful, especially when the markets are unpredictable. In this episode, we’ll talk about a simple strategy to give you peace of mind and financial stability in retirement. You’ll learn how to set aside five years of income to avoid selling investments during market downturns, create a clear plan for where your money will come from, and adjust your approach based on your comfort with risk. This straightforward method helps you stay on track, worry less, and enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard for.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

Today’s episode is part rant, part answer to Mike’s question about the high cost of prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. We dive into why these costs are so steep, explore alternatives like Canadian pharmacies, and discuss what you can do to manage healthcare expenses in retirement.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

Financial planning often feels like a numbers game—follow the math, and you’ll make the best decisions, right? But what happens when the spreadsheet says one thing, and your peace of mind says another? In this episode, we share the personal story of why Devin and his wife chose to pay off nearly $500,000 in debt, despite the numbers telling them not to. We explore the emotional cost of debt, the value of financial freedom, and how to balance logic with what truly feels right.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/